Undergraduate program in nanoscience and nanoengineering: five years after the National Science Foundation grant including two pandemic years

We describe a coherent undergraduate educational program in nanoscience and nanoengineering at the University of Rochester (UR) based on Institute Optics Integrated Nanosystems Center resources. This project has three main outcomes: (1) developing curriculum offering Certificate Nanoscience Nanoengineering (CNSNE); (2) creating an exemplary model collaboration nanotechnology between university with state-of-the-art, expensive experimental facilities nearby two-year community college (CC) participation local Monroe Community College (MCC); (3) universally accessible “hands-on” experiments (mini-labs) nanophotonics/quantum nanophotonics, learning materials, pedagogical methods to be introduced some classes from freshman senior levels. The inexpensive mini-labs described herein can adopted small colleges. An important outcome this is that ∼50 % 41 awardees CNSNE (by May 2021) after graduation continued their career field nanoengineering. For program, UR students must take courses: Nanometrology Laboratory (a new course specifically created for program) two other selective courses. Students should also conduct one-semester research or design fields A total 52 MCC (including non-science, technology, engineering, mathematics major students) participated labs atomic force microscopy photolithography clean room. Our teaching methodology, progress students’ outcomes, investigation attitudes self-efficacy toward selecting careers nanoscience/nanotechnology are discussed analyzed. Discussions challenges advanced lab during pandemic, our solutions preserving lessons learned included.